Randy Edwards of "Swamp People." Photo courtesy of The History Channel

All weekend – Cape Fear Wildlife Expo

If you’re a fan of “Swamp People” on The History Channel, co-star Randy Edwards (pictured) will be greeting fans and signing autographs during the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Coastline Convention Center, 501 Nutt St., and at the Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt St.

If you’d rather experience The Great Outdoors rather than just watch it on TV, the Expo offers plenty of hands-on experience: fly-fishing and archery demonstrations, sport-fishing simulators and more.

The N.C Wildlife Resources Commission will be on hand with its safari trailer and its mobile aquarium. Special interactive sites will offer young people hands-on instruction in duck calls, geocaching, outdoor survival, combating water pollution and best forestry practices.

For adults, a series of workshops are planned on hunting, fishing and environmental topics. Meanwhile, exhibitors will show off the latest in hunting and fishing gear, decoys, boats, trucks, ATVs and other accessories.

The Expo is jointly staged by the wildlife commission and the state chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association. Tickets are $10 for the public and $7 for seniors. Youngsters aged 10 and younger get in free when accompanied by an adult. Show hours are 9 a.m-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For details, phone 795-0292 or go to www.CapeFearWildlifeExpo.com.

Elsewhere in Wilmington, the N.C. Black Film Festival will be under way. Parents should note the family-friendly film bloc for kids and parents at noon Saturday at the Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second St. Admission is free.

On Sunday, the festival will play host to a film-flavored fashion show at 3 p.m. in the Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. Local designers show inspirations from such films as “Mahogany” (pictured is that movie’s Diana Ross), the original “Sparkle,” “Harlem Nights” and “The Josephine Baker Story.” Admission is $5. For a full schedule, go to www.BlackArtsAlliance.org or read my preview in the StarNews.

All weekend – used book sale

Photo courtesy of The Ledger

The annual spring used book sale gets under way Saturday at the Northeast Regional Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, with hardcovers, paperbacks, CDs and DVDs, mostly priced in the $1-$3 range. Trish Hatcher of the library said the children’s section is especially strong this year.

Of course, you can crash the “members only” preview, 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Northeast library. Officially, this is open only to members of the Friends of the New Hanover Library, but you can join at the door. Dues start at $15.

For details, call the library at 798-6301.

Saturday – St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival

Sure and begorrah: St. Patrick’s Day falls on Sunday this year. In Wilmington, the Irish and Irish at heart get a jump on the celebrations, with the local St. Patrick’s Day parade beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday along N. Front, Dock and Water streets. The fun then moves to Riverfront Park for a St. Patrick’s Day festival with

Saturday – Equestrian Fun Show and Expo

Photo courtesy of the Star-Banner

If you like horses, the local organization of the U.S. Equine Rescue League is staging an Equestrian Fun Show and Expo 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cross Roads Farm, 1157 Malpass Corner Road near Burgaw. English, Western and Game classes will show, and vendors will be on hand. Admission is free for spectators. The event showcases efforts to rehabilitate horses who suffered abuse and neglect and to find them new homes. Details: 612-8904

Sunday – UNCW Chamber Choir

The UNCW Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Joe Hickman joins the N.C. Baroque Orchestra for a performance of J.S. Bach’s “St. John Passion” 4 p.m. Sunday at Beckwith Recital Hall, in the Cultural Arts Building on the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Soloists include Matthew Talley, Ronald Holmes, John Callison, Nathan Strock, Rusty Kling and Jaclyn Gradel. Admission is $15, with proceeds earmarked for music scholarships. Tickets will go on sale at the Cultural Arts box office an hour before the concert. www.UNCW.edu/music

Friday – Carnival of Dreams

Run away with the circus – a dark, maybe PG-13-rated circus. The Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St., is staging “Carnival of Dreams,” beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and running late. You can watch the fire dancers, throw flaming darts, have your fortune told. A sideshow is promised, and a “Trampoline of Terror” is somehow involved. Admission is $7; organizers say a share of the proceeds will to fund more interactive public works by participating artists.

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About This Blog

The WAE: Wilmington-area Arts & Entertainment is dedicated to experiencing, discussing and promoting the arts in Southeastern N.C. From theater and all manner of music to visual art, dance, festivals and more, The WAE is populated by people who are immersed in local A&E. If it’s about A&E in Southeastern N.C., then we’re all about it.